Brays Oaks Management District Business & Economic Development Committee met April 6

Brays Oaks Management District Business & Economic Development Committee met April 6.

Here are the minutes provided by the committee:

The Brays Oaks Management District Business and Economic Development Committee held a meeting via Zoom video conference at 10:00am.

District Board and Committee members present: Sheri Cortez, Ralph Rieger, Cindy Chapman, Steve Moore, Ronald Plotkin, Sylvia Rivas

Staff members present: Xavier Herrera, Josh Hawes, Cosme Garcia, Alan Bernstein Public present: Sylvester L. Reeder III, Gwen Smith-Johnson, Marcy Williams, Carolina V. Gambrel, Barbara Hite – District K, Brenda Jackson, Kate Bruesgaard, Angelee Rhyne

Committee Chair Sheri Cortez called the meeting to order at 10:03 AM, and the committee meeting adjourned at 11:12 AM.

THE COMMITTEE CONSIDERED THE FOLLOWING:

1. Call to Order

2. Public Comment

a. Mr. Reeder asked for the support of BOMD for the Ruffino Hill Redevelopment and requested a letter of support be presented and signed that memorializes the district’s support of the project.

b. Director Rivas stated she would like to see more events around the Morris Frank HPL Express Library to increase traffic. Committee Chair Cortez agreed and stated she is working on a snow cones for cops event. Details on event will be forthcoming.

3. Minutes of 03/02/22 B&ED Committee Meeting

a. Committee meeting minutes submitted for reference.

4. District Updates & Recommendations

a. Development Properties

i. Director Plotkin stated a new Chick-Fil-A at W. Belfort and Post Oak (outside of BOMD) is coming soon in Meyer Park Shopping Center.

ii. Ms. Brusgaard stated a property at 9601 Hillcroft had been purchased and the community is concerned the property will be turned into a used car lot. Inquired as to whether BOMD can intervene on the behalf of the community to ensure the new business has proper operating permits. Director Rivas stated that S. Braeswood may be a protected scenic route. She does not support additional used car lots in the district. Committee Chair Cortez advised Ms. Brusgaard to contact HPD Sgt. Jose Juarez with HPD DRT, as they may check permits and licensing for any businesses of concern. Advised that BOMD promotes economic development and welcomes new businesses to the district and that BOMD works with all assessment payers to ensure they are good community neighbors. BOMD Board Chair Rieger offered to work with Ms. Brusgaard on the issue. Committee Chair Cortez advised attendees should also research changes to legislation regarding properties in HOAs, specifically rental properties.

iii. Committee Chair Cortez stated property at W. Airport and Beltway is moving forward; thank you to Vice Mayor Pro-Tem Martha Castex-Tatem for helping to resolve issues regarding the project.

b. Branding – SNR Creative

i. No update.

c. Permits & Platting

1. Permits

a. Herrera reported the number of residential and commercial permits for the months of February - March. Detailed report available in committee packet.

b. Committee Chair Cortez suggested we look back at least a year (this time last year) to identify older permits that are just being approved due to COVID backlog.

2. Plats

a. Herrera reported the number of plats for the months of February – March. Detailed report available in committee packet.

d. Business PIP

i. Committee Chair Cortez reported this is a quarterly event. Should have a date set for the event soon.

e. Business Incentives Program

i. Committee Chair Cortez reported certificate of recognition was presented to Oak Street Health at last BOMD board meeting. Mr. Herrera thanked the Committee Chair and Board Chair for their support of the program.

5. Presentation by the Harris County Office of Equity and Economic Development

a. Annie Yang with DEEO gave an overview of the office, its mission, and resources. Full presentation deck is available in the committee packet.

b. Committee Chair Cortez requested the presentation be shared with the community via social media.

c. Ms. Rhyne inquired if DEEO is working to bring back financial institutions to the community. Ms. Yang advised that DEEO provides resources to small businesses to help them gain access financial institutions; in some cases, DEEO holds events that bring the community and banks together under one roof. Committee Chair Cortez inquired as whether DEEO would attend job fairs; Ms. Yang answered yes, if requested.

d. Director Moore commented banks are under pressure from regulators to have as many branches in low-income neighborhoods as possible and to lend money to minority borrowers. Director Moore offered an anecdote regarding an experience he had in the community where a youth was interested in starting a business and the perception of some, that banks will not lend to certain minority groups. Director Moore contends the facts suggest otherwise.

e. Committee Chair Cortez encourages BOMD to help disseminate information to communities that DEEO is trying to reach.

f. Ms. Rhyne inquired as to what BOMD can do to attract more banks to the community. Committee Chair Cortez agrees that BOMD needs more banks and the issue is on the radar of the committee.

6. Budget Discussions and Possible Actions

a. Committee Chair Cortez recommended the following amendments to the approved budget:

i. Line 6006 – Business Luncheons, amount amended from 5,000 to 10,000

ii. Line 600 – Business Improvement Grants, amount amended from 20,000 to 15,000

1. A motion for BOMD board to receive and consider amendments to these budget items was made by Committee Chair Cortez and seconded by Director Chapman. The motioned passed with all in favor.

iii. Marketing & Public Relations – no amendments recommend.

7. Adjourn

COMMITTEE RECOMMENDATIONS:

Receive and consider amended budget; and take appropriate action.

https://www.braysoaksmd.org/who-we-are/board-materials/